This was a stressful year for families and students need the summer to rest and relax.<\/p>\n
But THEIR down time during the summer months can sometimes collide with the real responsibilities we have as parents. Plus, there is only so much Netflix teens can watch until boredom takes over. Your teen may actually welcome ideas of productive things to do.<\/p>\n
Here are 30 ways that students can make the most of summer vacation. While some projects and activities pertain to college students, many are things that middle school and high school students can do.<\/p>\n
(Hint: Print it out and leave it near the remote control where they are sure to find it.)<\/p>\n
Some students may have found work this summer, but, if they still have time on their hands, here are ideas for how to use their free time.<\/p>\n
If you are currently a college student or will be attending this fall, visit the career counseling website. Career services is an underutilized area on campus that undergraduates should begin using from freshman year on. \u00a0You cannot start the process too soon.<\/p>\n
LinkedIn is ground zero for many employers who scan the database for students with qualifications that match their needs. Some jobs require LinkedIn just to apply. Find a suitable (not holding a solo cup) profile picture and create an account. If you have an account already, is it up to date? And yes,\u00a0high school students can create a profile.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve not needed a resume to get a summer job you will need one in college. Check your college\u2019s career counseling website for resources or if you need more help,\u00a0Handshake\u00a0is a good place to start.<\/p>\n
Barnes & Noble Textbooks has a buy-back program that is easy and includes free shipping. Locate the ISBN number on each book and type it into a link on the site to discover if there is any resell value. You will get a quote on the spot and a shipping label. \u00a0All you need is a shipping box and a little time to gather all the books you no longer need or want.\u00a0Cash4Books\u00a0is another site to look at to see if you can get more money for books.<\/p>\n
For students who want to make the most of their screen time, we highly recommend ID Tech Virtual Tech Camps. It\u2019s our go-to place for learning about different STEM disciplines and enhancing computer skills.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve been away at college, you may not realize\u00a0how much you\u2019ve been missed by your younger siblings. You will always be their much-admired big brother or sister so set up board games, plan movie nights, or surprise your parents with cooking dinner together with them. Make memories this summer for all of you.<\/p>\n
Other than your parents, these adults have loved you with all their hearts since your very first breath. Now is the time to visit them in person and give them that bear hug and the companionship they have missed for the last 18 months.<\/p>\n
Is there a family car that you are allowed to use? When does the inspection sticker expire? Does the oil need changing? How about getting it washed? Take part in the maintenance of the car and, if your parents are letting you drive it to college in the fall,\u00a0look at this checklist to make sure you are ready for the road trip.<\/p>\n
Chargers, old iPods, phones, cases, games and game systems, CD\u2019s can all bring money if you spend a little time and research who buys what. Learn how to gather and\u00a0recycle old electronics\u00a0and read what\u00a0Best Buy\u00a0can take. The\u00a0Amazon Trade In Program\u00a0is a one stop shop for trade-ins.<\/p>\n
Do you have fall courses that are reading-intensive? Why not get a jump on academics by picking one of the books off the reading list and finishing it before class begins. Besides, you can never waste time reading a quality book.<\/p>\n
Clutter is the enemy and you are the only one who can fight the battle between what stays and what goes in your old room. Perhaps some of those programs, pictures, knickknacks that once seemed so precious to you have lost a little luster. Time to trash things now.<\/p>\n
When was the last family vacation that you took with your parents and siblings? With the pandemic curtailing travel, that trip might be even more meaningful than you realized at the time! Why not create a photo book or calendar for 2023 with pics that are living on your phone? If you want to save the project for the holidays or an upcoming birthday, you will be way ahead with this project in the bank. Shutterfly has easy templates.<\/p>\n
if you\u2019re planning on studying abroad, this is the ideal time to research programs, both ones that your college offers and others that are available elsewhere. Ask around for recommendations from other students and see what advice they have for you.<\/p>\n
Look at the Red Cross website\u00a0or visit your local YMCA\u2019s website and see if there are any programs offered that can lead to certification in CPR, first aid, or lifeguarding. Many options have both online and unperson options.<\/p>\n
You may find it hard to see beyond life as a college student, but if you think that graduate school is in your future somewhere down the road, take the time to look at a few university websites. Find out about required entrance exams, average GPAs, undergraduate course work required, firms that recruit at the school\u2026. understanding more about grad programs might give you more focus as a college student.<\/p>\n
Are any of your clothes or accessories\u00a0consignment-worthy?\u00a0Alternatively, if they are still wearable but you no longer have any need for them,\u00a0look for a Goodwill, or local charity that can use what you no longer need.<\/p>\n
Time in the kitchen is never wasted and the best way to learn to cook is to, simply, cook. Your parents have been the ones planning, shopping for and preparing meals for decades. Why not take over the responsibilities for a few evenings and master some new recipes at the same time? Maybe your parents would be willing to sign up for a meal subscription service like\u00a0Blue Apron\u00a0IF you do the cooking.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s never been a better time to reach out to your neighbors to see if they could use your help this summer. Elderly neighbors, in particular, might need someone to run errands, grocery shop, or take care of walking their dog.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve never gotten in the habit, this could be a perfect time to begin to exercise so that when school begins again, you have a healthy new habit for the fall. There are infinite online options that offer guided instruction with varying length of class times and types \u2013 strength, core, yoga, aerobic, and more. Plus, with gyms opening up again, the options are endless.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the perfect time to think about what you hope to accomplish during the school year 2021-22. Think about goals that are short-term academic ones but also think about longer-term goals, too. Start by reading this newly-released bestseller,\u00a0The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them<\/em>, by Dr. Meg Jay.<\/p>\n Create a spreadsheet and sit with your parents to review your financial needs for the summer and the fall. This is a very good exercise to do, especially if you\u2019re going to college this fall and will need to manage more of your own finances.<\/p>\n Although summer feels like it will go on forever, there are only so many weekends when your entire family might be free to gather for an outing. These are memories your family will cherish.<\/p>\n When it\u2019s time to meet with for a job interview, you\u2019ll need to project a professional appearance. For virtual interviews, make sure you\u2019re ready with Zoom tops or jackets. \u00a0Go through your closet and see what fits, what needs to be tailored and cleaned. If you need to shop,\u00a0look for stores that offer student discounts.<\/p>\n Take the initiative, send out a few texts and plan a get together this summer. The time for face-to-face gatherings is now!<\/p>\n Have you outgrown the pediatrician\u2019s office with the toys scattered around the waiting room floor? Talk to your parents about switching to an internist for your next appointment. While you\u2019re at it, do you need to see a dentist, dermatologist, the eye doctor, a gynecologist? Stop asking your mom to make these appointments for you and get them on your calendar.<\/p>\n Are you looking for an internship this summer? Many firms have shorter internships that start mid-summer.<\/p>\n As a college student, you can be a helpful resource for current high school students, especially since so many student have NOT been able to visit campuses in person. Let your counselor know you\u2019re willing to offer advice and counsel.<\/p>\n Are there museums in your hometown (or nearby) which you haven\u2019t visited since you were in 3rd grade? Maybe it\u2019s time to give culture another shot especially since you can visit in person.<\/p>\n Take on the messy responsibility of bath time and enjoy the one-on-one with your best buddy. While you\u2019re at it, take a close look at what it costs to own and take care of a dog. Many students love the IDEA of a dog but are shocked at how expensive it is to buy food and pay for wellness care.<\/p>\n If you can volunteer in your community this might be THE very best way to spend summer vacation. There are also\u00a0virtual volunteer opportunities\u00a0to explore.<\/p>\n Source: https:\/\/grownandflown.com\/winter-break-31-ways-students-make-most-of-january\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This was a stressful year for families and students need the summer to rest and relax. But THEIR down time during the summer months can sometimes collide with the real responsibilities we have as parents. Plus, there is only so much Netflix teens can watch until boredom takes over. 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Make a budget<\/h3>\n
22. Plan a family\u00a0excursion<\/h3>\n
23. Assemble two interview-worthy outfits<\/h3>\n
24. Get the old gang together<\/h3>\n
25. Doctors appointments<\/h3>\n
26. Internships<\/h3>\n
27. Check in with your high school guidance counselor<\/h3>\n
28. A dose of culture<\/h3>\n
29. Give your dog a bath<\/h3>\n
30.\u00a0Volunteer your time<\/h3>\n